Major Exploration Faire, Major Success

By Elizabeth Wilcox

October 18, 2001

On September 18th, the Office of Undergraduate Advising for the College of Letters & Science, in association with the Career Center, presented one of the most ambitious events offered in recent years to help undeclared students identify the many opportunities for focused study in the College. The Major Explorations Faire brought students, faculty and staff together at a one-day open house at which students could more easily identify and connect with the academic resources available to them in the College.

Over 1000 students participated, and staff and faculty represented over 50 academic departments. Resource units like the Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad, the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program, and the Haas Scholars Program also participated. Community college students from Santa Rosa Jr. College, Los Positas College, and even Sacramento City College also attended as part of their preparation for transfer.

"It is nice to hear about a major from a person instead of a book." — a Cal student at the Major Exploration Faire

A primary initiative of Undergraduate Dean Kwong-loi Shun's strategic plan for the College has been to more effectively direct students to declaration of major, assist students in seeing opportunities beyond the College's traditional majors, and to work more closely with academic departments within the College. This collaborative event not only addressed a pressing need for students but created an opportunity for successful integration and orchestration of the expansive advising network on the Berkeley campus. Events like these create a more user-friendly campus, and promote student well being by pro-actively serving their needs during the pivotal freshman and sophomore years.

Held in the Pauley Ballroom, the setting created a pleasant atmosphere in which departments could promote their majors and answer questions from students regarding entrance requirements, course offerings and opportunities after graduation. Impromptu orientations took place throughout the morning to help transfer students understand the priorities after transfer by more quickly identifying and joining a major upon admission.

Departmental advisers provided creative displays encouraging student attention and contact. Representatives from the Classics Department decorated their table with a Grecian Goddess Barbie; Near East Studies laid down a magic Persian carpet in front of their table; fortune cookies circulated with fortunes that contained sayings like, "Reach for the stars, major in Astronomy." Career Counselors were on hand to illustrate the bridge between majors and careers and demonstrate to students that a liberal arts education in any field is a valuable asset. Showcasing their new magazine-style website, the Career Center effectively connected with students by familiarizing them with features like links to current placement information by major and opportunities for internships.

Student reaction to the event was exceptionally positive. As one student put it, "it was great. It's nice to hear about a major from a person instead of a book." 

The Major Exploration Faire is one of the many ways the College of Letters & Science continues to innovate and adapt to serve the needs of students and work more closely with academic departments, faculty and its service partners across campus. Traditionally a biannual event, many are suggesting that this event be offered on a yearly basis. What better way to help students approach on of the most important decisions they will make during their academic careers. As the Faire's advertising slogan, "Let the experts guide you" suggests, the Office of Undergraduate Advising remains committed to creating avenues for success and intellectual fulfillment through this program and the many others they continue to develop and offer throughout the academic year.